Question

Give the preparation, properties and uses of polymethyl methacrylate polymer.

Answer 1

This is the important thermoplastic resin. It is also known as Lucite or plexiglass.

PREPARATION:
It is obtained by polymerization of methyl methacrylate which is an ester of methyl acrylic acid,CH₂ = c( CH)₂ CooH, in presence of acetyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. It is an acrylic polymer.

PROPERTIES:
• It is a hard, fairly rigid material with a high softening point of about 130-140 oc
• It becomes rubber-like at a temperature above 65 oc.
• It has an outstanding shape-forming properties due to wide span of temperature from its rigid state to viscous state.

USES.

• For making lenses, optical parts of instruments, air craft, light fixtures, artificial eyes, wind screen, bone splints, decorative articles etc.
• As it is more transparent than glass, it is used for making window glasses.
• It is found in paints. It is used as cloud and pour point depressant additives in lubricants.